Accept hybrid model or Champions Trophy may be moved out, ICC tells PCB: Sources

The International Cricket Council informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that a hybrid model is the only feasible option for the Champions Trophy. In the ICC's Board meeting on Friday, November 29, Pakistan remained firm on its stance against hosting a few of the matches at a neutral venue.

In Short

• ICC Board met on Friday to discuss the Champions Trophy deadlock
• Pakistan said it was not in favour of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model
• ICC told Pakistan that the hybrid model is the only viable option

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was informed by the International Cricket Council that a hybrid model is now the only workable solution for the Champions Trophy 2025 during the ICC Board meeting on Friday, November 19. This follows the Indian government’s refusal to grant permission for its team to travel to Pakistan.

The PCB remained firm and expressed its unwillingness to accept the hybrid model, insisting that all matches be held in Pakistan. However, they were told this arrangement would not be feasible. In response, the PCB has sought a day to consult internally with the Pakistan government, and the ICC Board is expected to reconvene on Saturday, November 30.

Despite the current deadlock, sources indicate that the PCB is likely to agree to the hybrid model after discussions with their government. This decision could pave the way for a resolution and ensure Pakistan retains some hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025.

In a brief virtual meeting on Friday, attended by 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, no consensus was reached. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi attended the meeting from Dubai.

Potential Scenarios

Pakistan agrees to Hybrid Model: India’s matches, one semi-final, and the final would be held in Dubai, while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan. The PCB would retain hosting rights.

Pakistan rejects the Hybrid Model: Should the PCB refuse the proposal, the ICC Board could vote against their stance. If the PCB remains adamant, their hosting rights may be revoked and awarded to a third country. This could potentially lead to Pakistan boycotting the tournament altogether.

The schedule for the Champions Trophy was set to be announced on November 11, but the impasse between the BCCI and the PCB has let to a lengthy delay.

Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025 in November 2021 and the PCB began work on renovating three of its stadiums earlier in the year.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as recently on Wednesday, reiterated that Pakistan would not agree to a hybrid model.

Naqvi's comments came even as Sri Lanka’s A team, touring Pakistan, was forced to cut short its series due to violent political protests in Islamabad. These protests, sparked by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party, raised serious concerns about security in the country.

Pakistan agreed to host last year's Asia Cup in a hybrid model after India refused to travel across the border. India have not played cricket in India since the 2008 Asia Cup. The two teams have not played bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 season.

The Champions Trophy is an eight-team tournament played amongst the top 8 in the ICC ODI Rankings. Pakistan won the last edition of the tournament, beating India in the final at the Oval in London.